Are there any other design patterns for constructing websites or other user interfaces? Are there any books that describe these patterns? I'm particularly interested in patterns for Windows desktop development and web development in the .NET platform.

closed as not a real question by Mark Trapp Nov 28 '11 at 15:19

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Please ask one question at a time. However, this question isn't a good fit for Stack Exchange. Please read the FAQ for guidance on what makes a good question. Your questions are overly broad and inviting discussion.
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ChrisF♦Nov 28 '11 at 12:26

I have updated.. removed the wireframe question.. now it is regarding GUI Design pattern only.. i am looking for answer for GUI Design patterns only.. nothing much
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Niranjan KalaNov 28 '11 at 12:31

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You are still asking three questions in one. Break it down further. Ask one question at a time, but please think are your questions constructive and being asked on the right site? Other sites - e.g. ux.stackexchange.com - may be more suitable for some of your questions.
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ChrisF♦Nov 28 '11 at 12:33

For example, there are a ton of questions there asking for book recommendations: the major references (like the oft-cited Don't Make Me Think) have already been provided there.
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user8Nov 28 '11 at 15:20

4 Answers
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There are a number of patterns and rules that correspond to usability principles. They aren't as concrete as other patterns, since there is variation in the user interface, think web applications versus desktop applications versus mobile devices versus kiosks, each with their own quirks. Users expect different things from different devices, so part of usability is matching user's mental models and expectations.

A few examples of usability rules include the 80/20 rule, Fitts' Law, Hick's Law, and the Rule of Thirds. There are also techniques, such as applying the Golden Ratio, form following function, and monitoring the singal-to-noise ratio, that can be used to enhance user interfaces. There are plenty more - that's just what I can remember off the top of my head from my software usability course.

Nice listing of the basic rules. Many other rules and patterns are 1:1 derivations of industrial design, graphic art, and typography. The OP may fancy taking a detour, here and there, in those disciplines, sooner or later, in search for inspiration. (it's what the guys that write usability books actually do, other than straight UI testing)
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ZJRNov 28 '11 at 14:19

@Aaron I wouldn't call Don't Make Me Think a classic - it's less than 11 years old. From what I've read, it's also focused on web development, rather than general usability principles. Also, I've never read it. Universal Principles of Design and The Design of Everyday Things were recommended reading for my software usability course, and I own and have read both.
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Thomas Owens♦Nov 28 '11 at 14:58

My personal favorite link for design patterns is http://www.welie.com/patterns/. Not only does it have a large list of patterns, but (more importantly) it discusses what usability problems the pattern solves (instead of just showing you a screen shot, which .. is terrible).

(This might not be a fully fledged answer, but I don't have enough clout on this stack exchange at the moment to leave comments, so oh well.)